Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

The TSUM valley with the Manaslu Circuit trek is the most elegant and less commercialised trek. It combines the remote beauty of the Tsum Valley with the classic routes of the Manaslu region. This trekking route has been open for tourists since 2008. In a short time, it gained a huge number of visitors.

The 19 days of trek offer you stunning scenery, cultural immersion, a sacred journey and mental resilience. Throughout the journey, you’ll have the breathtaking views of sky-touching peaks like Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, Siringi Himal, Ngada Chuli, Bouddha Himal, crossing Larkya La Pass and close encounter with the Mount Manaslu

All through the journey, you witness the lifestyle and culture of the Gurung, Tibetan and Nubri communities. Furthermore, you’ll also get a chance to explore the oldest and ancient monastery – Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa.

During the journey, you have the possible sightings of Himalayan black bear, musk deer, Tahr, and snow leopards if lucky. Furthermore, the rhododendrons blooming, dense forest, beautiful glacier, and alpine meadows make your journey memorable and flawless.

The trek is less visited and offers you an off-beaten path. The TSUM and Manaslu are less modest but more peaceful compared to EBC & Annapurna.

Manaslu and TSUM Valley trek difficulty

Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit trek is a moderate to strenuous journey. This trek is not a casual stroll. It demands excellent physical fitness with prior experience to accomplish the 19 days trek.

The length and the duration are the main challenges. It takes around 19 days. Furthermore, the long walking hours are approximately 6-7 hours on average. Some days, it also exceeds 8 hrs.

The highest point of the trek is Larkya La Pass (5,160 m), where there is lower oxygen. It results in several health problems. The TSUM Valley itself has reached above 3,700 meters. Therefore, there is a high chance of altitude sickness.

The trails are not managed properly. It involves steep ascents and descents, rocky and rugged terrain. Sometimes, due to the heavy rain, the level increases and becomes impassable.

The weather is unpredictable and unstable even at the lower altitudes of the TSUM valley. The temperature ranges from -8 to -15 degrees at higher altitudes. Further, sudden storms may also affect our walking trails.

There is no access to a proper road in this core section; in case of an emergency, evacuation can be slow.

Compared to Annapurna and EBC, the lodges and tea houses provide you with minimal facilities. There are limited choices of food. Additionally, there is limited electricity and internet.

Despite these hindrances, the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley is one of the most liked trekking routes in Nepal. Remember, you must have excellent fitness and mental resilience to accomplish the journey.

Trek Preparations

The Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit is one of the most admirable treks. It takes the trekkers above 5,100 meters. The trek is challenging. For that reason, you need proper planning & preparations to conclude the trek. Your planning includes: physical, mental and logistics.

To make your journey easy & convenient, you must have excellent fitness. Further, you may be involved in cardio exercises like cycling, swimming, and running at least 2-3 months before the trip.

The strength training – squats, lunges and planks is equally significant. You may also take part in hiking training. It would be helpful to enhance your stamina and vital body power.

Your mental health is equally significant during the journey. A practice of Yoga and meditation leads you to a peaceful and pleasant hike. Keep your mindset to live with limited facilities and no luxury for a few weeks.

Prepare and ready all your gear and equipment before starting the trek. Furthermore, ensure that you have travel insurance for a hassle-free journey.

Altitude Sickness & Prevention

Altitude Sickness is a condition when your body doesn’t adjust to the lower oxygen at higher elevations.

On the Manaslu Circuit trek and the TSUM valley, trekkers go above 5,100 meters; as a result, the body doesn’t get sufficient oxygen.

It affects anyone regardless of good fitness, age and trekking experiences.

Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath are some of the very common symptoms that trekkers have to face.

It also leads to some complexities – Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) and High-Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE).

To minimise the risk of altitude sickness, we have acclimatised and rested during our journey. It is necessary to adapt and adjust to the high altitude and changing environments while you are trekking.

Here are some essential preventive measures that are helpful for trekkers.

Gradual Ascent:  Schedule your acclimatisation and give priority to the gradual ascents. Be steady and don’t be in a hurry.

Stay Hydrated: Stay hydrated and drink at least 3-4 litres of water every day.

Alcohol & Tobacco – Avoid consuming alcohol, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco during the journey

Medication –Consume the Diamox, aka Acetazolamide, 1-2 days before the trek.

Listen to your body – Never ignore any health symptoms you feel during the journey.

Conscious: Be conscious of your health. If you feel you can’t, then kindly avoid the trek.

Remember, consult your doctor and have some tests before starting the trek.

Is TSUM with Manaslu Circuit trek possible for the beginner’s?

The Manaslu Circuit with the Tsum Valley is generally considered a moderate to strenuous trek, but it is possible for beginners with adequate and proper planning.

It‘s not like strolling in the streets. Tsum Valley & Manalsu trek is 19-day of journey. Furthermore, the trek reaches above 5,000 meters, which can be more demanding and challenging for the trekkers.

The beginner’s success largely depends on physical preparation, mental resilience, gradual ascents and proper acclimatization. You must have the ability to walk 6-8 hours a day, navigating rugged terrain, including uphill and downhill walking.

Beginners must be ready to survive in the remote conditions with limited facilities and unpredictable weather. To make the journey effective, it is advisable to incorporate cardiovascular exercises, such as swimming, running, and jogging, for at least 2 months before the trek. You may also walk with a 6-7 kilogram backpack. Hiring an experienced guide is very important for your comfort and safety.

If you are motivated and passionate about high-altitude trekking, then the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley is a feasible option

Best Season for Manaslu Tsum valley adventure

Nepal has four seasons named autumn, Spring, Winter and Monsoon.

Autumn (Sep-Nov) – Autumn is the first choice of trekkers for the TSUM valley with the Manaslu Circuit trek.

This is the peak season for trekking due to the clear skies, perfect weather and fantastic mountains views.

Further, you may also enjoy the Nepalese major festivals: Dashain Chhath and Tihar. It is the busiest season, though it is less crowded and more peaceful than the Annapurna and EBC treks.

Spring (March-May) – Spring is another great season for the Tsum Valley, particularly when combined with the Manaslu Circuit trek. During the journey, you will be glad to see blossoming rhododendrons.

There will be long daylight hours with mild temperatures. There is a chance to encounter wildlife and bird watching along the routes. Furthermore, it is also a promising time for bird watching and enjoying the Buddhist festivals – Lhosar and Buddha Jayanti.

Winter (Dec-Feb) – The Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit adventure is possible, but it comes with its own set of challenges and obstacles. There are cold temperatures, shorter days and poor visibility due to the fog.

During this season, the skies are clear, and you will get a clear and crisp view of snow-capped mountains. This season is rewarding for highly experienced trekkers, and proper preparations are required.

Monsoon (June-August) –  The monsoon is the last best option among the four seasons. This season brings heavy rainfall everywhere. As a result, there are high chances of mudflows from upper valley, landslides and floods.

The heavy rain leads to the leeches in the lower valley, and low visibility and road blockage may spoil the journey. Due to the heavy rain, the level increases and becomes impassable

Accommodation – TSUM valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek

While staying in Kathmandu, you’ll find a convenient and luxurious hotel with all the facilities. After the trek starts, you will stay in tea houses, lodges, guest houses, and sometimes homestays.

When you are in the TSUM valley region, we’ll have twin-sharing bedrooms with a mattress. The blankets are provided. However, you may take your warm sleeping bags.

There is no attached bathroom. You mostly have to use squat toilets. Hot water is limited. You have to pay a certain amount for it.

There is a common solar power. However, you have to pay for mobile and gadget charging.

You’ll get more comfortable in the Manaslu region compared to the Tsum Valley. You won’t get an attached bathroom, but the toilets are improved with the flush systems. There is availability of a hot shower with a small fee.

You may not have to pay for gadgets and mobile charging at Samagaun, Samdo and Namrung.

In essence, the Manaslu Circuit region provides you with more comfortable accommodations than Tsum valley.

Availability of Food & Meals

We’ll provide simply prepared, local and healthy foods during the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit trek. The foods will be served in tea houses, lodges or while you are travelling. While the variety is limited compared to Annapurna and Everest, you’ll still have several options.

Breakfast (the energizer meal) – The early morning breakfast plays a crucial role for the trekker. You may enjoy several blends of taste that include: Bread dishes, oatmeal, muesli, porridge, pancakes, chapatti, hot drinks (Varieties of tea, coffee, hot lemon and other drinks)

Lunch (the power meal) – By considering the popular Nepali saying “Dal Bhat ko Power” 24 hours a day, we’ll serve you Rice, Lentils, & Seasonal Vegetables. Furthermore, you may also enjoy other dishes that include: Chapatti, veggies, lentils, Mo: Mo (dumplings), Rice Pudding, Apple Pie and more.

Dinner (the comfortable meal) – The trekker usually prefers the same Dal, Bhat, Tarkari for dinner. Along with that, you may also enjoy chicken and mutton curry (available in the lower valley). Aside from this, there are several other options that include: Tibetan bread, Fried rice, potato dishes, Sherpa stews, Pizza, pasta, Noodles and Thupka.

Essentialities of Travel Insurance

The Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek leads you to high-altitude trekking. It leads to the probability of Acute Mountain sickness, nausea, vomiting, irritation and shortness of breath. Furthermore, it is also helpful and saves you from unexpected circumstances.

When you hike above 3,000 meters, insurance is significant. Further, the Manaslu and TSUM region is more challenging due to remote location, rugged terrain and some technical aspects.

The 19-day trek takes you above 5,000 meters with limited facilities of the availability of medical services.

Here are some points that consider its significance.

• Rescue from the helicopter; in case of any emergency, injury or illness
• Manage all your medical expenses
• It reimburse all your cost ; if your trip is cancelled due to political unrest or any other natural disasters
• Protects your baggage, documents and gears during the journey
• A complete financial solution to your trip
• Peace of mind while you are trekking

Permits & Consent

To trek the Manaslu Circuit with TSUM valley, you need certain permits and follow the specific rules.

Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – Manaslu – This permit is necessary ass you are travelling through Jagat and Samagon. It costs around $100 per person for first 7 days (Sept-Nov), and $ 75 (Dec-Aug). After the first seven days, you have to pay 15 USD per day.

Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – TSUM – This permit is necessary to enter in the Lokpa, Chumling, Mu Gompa and other settlements. It costs around $40 per week (Sep-Nov), $30 per week (Dec-Aug). The extension charge is $7 per day after a week.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): This permit is essential to land your steps in the Manaslu Conservation Area. It costs 3000 NPR person.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): This permit is necessary for your exit route from Tal to Besisahar. It costs around 3000 per head.

You can easily obtain these permits from the Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Extra Expenses

We the 3A Adventure, a competitive and reliable trekking agency of Nepal. After booking Manalsu and the TSUM valley product, it includes everything that you need throughout the journey. There are certain things that you have to manage yourself.

During the Manaslu Circuit with the TSUM Valley trek, you should prepare to pay for the hot shower (4 to 6 USD), gadget charging and WI-FI. In the lower valley, it may be free. However, in the remote and Upper valley, you are liable to pay for it. If you forget equipment like crampons, poles, sleeping bags, head lamp or any other gear, expect to buy or rent in Kathmandu.

You have to buy yourself your medical supplies like Diamox, First Aid kit, oral solutions, wet wipes or tissues.

Tipping the guide and porter is not mandatory. However, we recommend that you pay them a certain amount daily or after the trip concludes.

Transportation and Communication Facilities

We, the 3A Adventure treks, are always eager to work for our trekkers. During the Manaslu and TSUM valley journey, all road transportation will be taken care of by our company. After arriving in Kathmandu, our company employee will receive you at the airport. We will take you to the reserved 3-4 star hotel in a private vehicle (car, jeep or van).

The journey from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and back from Tal to Kathmandu via Besisahar will be shared by a public bus or public vehicles, depending on the size of our trek members.

We’ll provide you with a free SIM card (NTC/NCELL) for accessing internet data while you are on your journey. Remember, it should be returned to our company employee when the trip concludes.

Differences: Private Trek vs. Group Trek

So you have come for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek. But which trek should you choose, private or group? Here are the clarifications.

The private trek is more customised and offers flexibility in terms of pace & itinerary, whereas the group trek has a fixed itinerary and limited changes.

The Private trek is a bit expensive. If you choose a Group trek, the cost will be shared among other fellow trekkers.

If you choose a Private trek, it provides you with a personal guide and porter. You may also have more interaction with the locals to learn about their lifestyle and culture. It is also promising for the family, friends and couples.

If you enjoy socialising and interacting with others, then a group trek will be the ultimate option for you. Group trek is also the best choice for beginners.